Robbery suspects arrested in Southcrest

San Diego  San Diego police arrested two suspects shortly after an armed robbery Wednesday at a Southcrest beauty salon.

The theft at Luzmar salon on National Avenue, near South 38th Street, was reported just before 11 a.m.

Two men, one armed with a handgun, demanded money but were unable to get cash from the business, police Officer Frank Cali said. One of the men grabbed the employee’s purse and took cash. They fled in a Ford Flex.

A police helicopter that was nearby tracked the suspects as they ran toward South 45th Street and Logan Avenue, police said. Officers formed a perimeter around the area and took one suspect into custody about 11:25 a.m.

They continued to search for the second person, who ran into an apartment complex. He also was taken into custody.

The suspects were identified as Brandon Smith and Kendol Alexander, both 21.